Steve howey hailed a new-look Alan Shearer today as "a fantastic player any manager would love in his side."

Steve howey hailed a new-look Alan Shearer today as "a fantastic player any manager would love in his side."

And Howey, looking towards a mighty confrontation with his former Newcastle United team-mate on Sunday, claimed Shearer is repaying manager Bobby Robson by "playing out of his skin."

The understanding and mutual respect between Robson and Shearer in the wake of Ruud Gullit's departure is what Howey and Manchester City must combat in a highly-charged FA Cup fifth-round tie at a sell-out St James's Park.

"Bobby Robson has been looking after Shearer magnificently and Alan is repaying him by scoring goals, setting up goals, and playing out of his skin," said Howey.

"Alan is a fantastic player any manager would like in his side and he's back to the sort of form he enjoyed before his injuries.

"He's flying at the moment and I think that's down in part to not having the extra duties he had as England's skipper.

"When I was at Newcastle and we had time off Alan always had some kind of duty to perform. He never had time to rest. Now Shearer's back to his best and that's due to him being able to rest between matches."

Howey, who played for England alongside Shearer, went on: "As an England supporter I'd love to see him on the plane to the World Cup but, if you're asking me if I think he'll change his mind, the answer is no.

"Once Alan makes up his mind that's it. His mental strength is unbelievable - he's proved it by the way he's come back from bad injuries. England's loss is Newcastle's gain."

Looking to the cup tie, Howey, who marked his City comeback from injury with a goal in the win over Preston last Sunday, added: "I spent an awful long time at Newcastle so obviously it's a massive game for me.

"I've played against Shearer a few times before. Sometimes I've come out on top, sometimes he has.

"I haven't spoken to him this week and I won't do until after the game. Then I'll just say: 'Sorry, unlucky!'

"If we play to our full potential then United are in for a tough match."